Top 10 Zoos in the USA

Everyone wants to see different species of Animals in their Natural Habitats. People like to know about their daily activities and other things. But not everyone can travel around the world. So, the ZOO is the best place to see and learn about them. The USA is home to hundreds of Zoos (zoological parks). But many of them are managed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

In this article, we'll examine the top ten biggest zoos in the country and tell you everything related to them. There are two ways to rank zoos: By area and by the number of animals living there. So, in this article, We'll organize the list according to the number of animals for better understanding by readers. We'll also include some interesting trivia and further details about why these human-made attractions are crucial. So, let's start with the top ten zoos in the USA.

List of Top 10 Biggest Zoos in the USA

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (Omaha, Nebraska)

Opened in 1894, Henry Doorly Zoo is spread over 160 acres and is famous for its species and number of animals. There are more than 17,000 animals across 962 species. The most attractive thing to do here is to visit the Lied Jungle. It is one of America's biggest indoor jungles, and tourists can get an amazing feeling here. Apart from Lied Jungle, visitors can explore Desert Dome, Berniece Grewcock Butterfly and Insect Pavilion, Scott African Grasslands, Mahoney Kingdoms of the Night, Suzanne and Scott Aquarium, Hubbard Gorilla Valley, Hubbard Orangutan Forest, Owen Sea Lion Shores, Asian Highlands.

Desert Dome is unique and the biggest indoor and largest geodesic desert in the world. Its opening hours might change from season to season. September to November is the most valuable season to visit the Henry Doorly Zoo. The ZOO is open all year round, excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

The Nearest Airport to Henry Doorly Zoo

The nearest airport to Henry Doorly Zoo is Eppley Airfield. It is approximately 12 miles away. Frontier, Allegiant, Delta, United, Southwest, and American Airlines have services from different cities. People can take a cab or bus (no direct bus) from the airport to Henry Doorly Zoo.

San Diego ZOO ( San Diego, California)

The San Diego Zoo, located in San Diego, California, is one of the most famous and highly regarded zoos in the world. Starting in 1916, It is a leader in animal conservation, education, and research and has been a popular destination for visitors of all ages. There are 14,000 animals of 700 species, and the ZOO covers 100 acres of land. Here are some key highlights and features of the San Diego Zoo: Animal Collection, Panda Canyon, Elephant Odyssey, Koalafornia, Safari Park, Conservation Efforts, and Special Events and Programs.

The San Diego Zoo is committed to educating the public about wildlife and conservation. It also conducts significant research to understand and support animal populations and ecosystems.

If you are planning to visit the San Diego Zoo. It will be exciting and offer an opportunity to see a wide range of animals up close while supporting vital conservation efforts. The San Diego Zoo is a must-visit location for everyone interested in learning more about wildlife and conservation, especially if they love animals and want to learn more about them. You can go with your family; the kids will have fun there too.

The Nearest Airport to the San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo is accessible by car or public transport, but if you travel from another city or a long distance. Tourists can book flight tickets to San Diego directly. San Diego Airport is international, and flights from several destinations fly nonstop to San Diego. The distance between San Diego International Airport and San Diego Zoo is 4.2 miles via Road, and bus service is available.

Bronx Zoo (New York City, New York)

The Bronx Zoo, located in the Bronx borough of New York City, is another renowned and historic zoo in the United States. It is one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the world and is operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). Nearly 10,000 animals of 700 species live here. The Bronx Zoo started in 1899 and is known as one of the oldest zoos in the country. The total area of the ZOO is 265 acres. There are several places tourists must visit, such as JungleWorld, Congo Gorilla Forest, Madagascar (a showcase of unique wildlife from the region), the African Plains, and a dedicated area for children, providing interactive experiences.

Due to the large size of the ZOO, they offer shuttle services. The Bronx Zoo has a long-standing reputation as a center for wildlife conservation, education, and recreation. It helps visitors with an opportunity to explore a wide range of animals from around the world while supporting important conservation initiatives. So, if you are in New York City and are a nature enthusiast or animal lover, the Bronx Zoo is a must-visit destination.

The Nearest Airport to the Bronx Zoo

There are many nearby airports to the Bronx Zoo, but LaGuardia is the nearest to the Bronx Zoo. Tourists can book flight tickets to New York. And it is 5.4 miles away. Buses and private cabs run frequently from the airport to the ZOO.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (Columbus, Ohio)

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, located in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the top zoological parks in the United States. It is a renowned institution known for its exceptional animal exhibits, conservation efforts, and educational programs. The Columbus Zoo was started in 1927 and spread over 580 acres. More than 10,000 animals of 600 species are here. Visitors can see animals, including elephants, polar bears, cheetahs, penguins, and gorillas.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's commitment to animal welfare, conservation, and education have earned it a well-deserved reputation as one of the best zoos in the United States. It offers a memorable and educational experience for visitors of all ages, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Around the year, the Columbus Zoo hosts various events and seasonal celebrations, such as Wildlights during the holiday season, providing unique and enjoyable experiences for visitors.

The Nearest Airport of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Port Columbus International Airport (CMH / KCMH) is the closest large airport. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is located 24 miles from this airport and serves domestic and international flights from Columbus, Ohio. People can take a direct bus or rent a cab to reach the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

Minnesota Zoo (Apple Valley, Minnesota)

The Minnesota Zoo, located in Apple Valley, Minnesota, and built-in 1978, is a popular zoological park known for its commitment to conservation, education, and immersive animal exhibits. More than 4,200 animals of 505 species live here, and there are so many highlighted places, including Russia's Grizzly Coast, Wells Fargo Family Farm, Tropics Trail, Northern Trail, and Discovery Bay. An IMAX theatre has been installed to show educational films on wildlife experiences.

The Minnesota Zoo is well-regarded for its efforts to provide engaging and informative experiences to visitors while promoting conservation awareness. It offers a mix of indoor and outdoor exhibits, making it enjoyable to visit year-round. The zoo's focus on animals from various habitats and its dedication to conservation make it a significant attraction in the state of Minnesota. Discovery Bay is the most exciting place. You can see marine animals, including sharks and sea turtles.

The Nearest Airport to the Minnesota Zoo

If you want to choose an air route to visit the Minnesota Zoo, you can book flight tickets to Minneapolis (Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport). After reaching Minneapolis, you can take a bus from Minneapolis (MSP) to the Minnesota Zoo (Station), and it takes approximately one hour and forty-three minutes by choosing Mall of America Transit Station Gate F and 127th St at the Galaxie Ave SW corner.

Riverbanks Zoo (Columbia, South Carolina)

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a popular zoological park in Columbia, South Carolina. The ZOO is on 170 acres of field, and there are more than 3000 animals of 400 breeds living here. Its commitment to conservation, education, and family-friendly attractions makes it a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike in the Columbia, South Carolina, area. It is a significant cultural and educational institution in the region, known for its diverse animal collection, beautiful botanical gardens, and conservation efforts. Here are some key features and highlights of Riverbanks Zoo: Botanical Gardens, African Plains, Gorilla Base Camp, Koala Knockabout, Aquarium Reptile Complex, Birdhouse, and Sea Lion Landing.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden offer a well-rounded experience for visitors, combining an extensive animal collection of lions, giraffes, elephants, koalas, penguins, African elephants, zebras, ostriches, meerkats, sharks, rays, turtles, and snakes. The ZOO has beautifully landscaped gardens where children can play and host special events during Halloween and Lights Before Christmas.

The Nearest Airport to Reach The Riverbanks Zoo

If you are planning to visit Riverbanks Zoo, you can book direct flights to Columbia (Columbia Metropolitan Airport) from several cities in the USA. Delta, United, and American Airlines have flight services to Columbia, South Carolina. The distance between Columbia Metropolitan Airport and Riverbanks Zoo is approximately 10 miles; tourists can take a bus or book a cab to reach their destination.

Miami Zoo (Miami, Florida)

The Miami Zoo is officially known as Zoo Miami. It is located in Miami-Dade County, Florida, and is the oldest and largest zoological garden in the state. More than 2,500 animals of 400 species live on 750 acres of the field. Miami Zoo was opened in 1948; it was destroyed in 1965 due to Hurricane Betsy and reopened in 1980. Florida: Mission Everglades is a special part of the zoo, and tourists must visit there. Apart from it, you can go to the Siamang Gibbon Exhibit, Amazon, and Beyond, African Plains, Dr. Wilde's World, Wings of Asia Aviary, and Asian Riverlife.

Zoo Miami is well-regarded for its diverse animal collection, engaging exhibits, and dedication to conservation and education. It offers an enjoyable and educational experience for visitors of all ages, making it a popular destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts in Miami. There is a play area for children in the ZOO. Allow them to play and have fun while exploring nature-themed structures. Tourists can enjoy various events throughout the year, including Zoo Lights during the holiday season and Zoo Boo during Halloween.

The Nearest Airport to Reach The Miami Zoo

If you are planning to visit the Miami Zoo, you can reach Miami International Airport (MIA). It is 19 miles away, and many international and low-cost airlines have frequent flights to Miami from different parts of the USA and other countries. Without a car, the Line 2300 rail and Line 252 bus, which take 2 hours and 33 minutes and cost $2 to $6, are the best ways to go from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Zoo Miami.

National ZOO (Washington, D.C.)

The Smithsonian National Zoological Park is the official name of the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Rock Creek Park is an impressive urban park in northwest Washington, D.C. It has a total area of about 163 acres (66 hectares), is one of the country's oldest zoos, and is a proud member of the Smithsonian Institution. The Smithsonian Institution is a museum and research institute founded and supported by the American government. If you want to know about wildlife conservation and study in addition to being a well-liked tourism destination, the National Zoo is the best location for you. Visitors are provided with the opportunity to learn about animals, their habitats, and the value of conserving biodiversity for future generations.

The National Zoo was created by congressional legislation in 1889, and on March 30, 1891, it was formally opened to the public. The ZOO is home to 2100 animals of 400 species from different parts of the world. Giant pandas are a popular attraction and a key component of a substantial conservation program. The main objective of the ZOO was to offer a location for scientific research, conservation, and community education.

So many exhibits and attractions are available in the ZOO, and visitors must go to the Great Cats display, the Elephant Trails, the Reptile Discovery Center, the Amazonia exhibit, which showcases creatures from the Amazon jungle, and the Kids' Farm, where your kids can learn about farm animals.

The Nearest Airport to Reach The National Zoo

The nearest airport to the National Zoo is Dulles International Airport (IAD). It has good connectivity from other airports, and you may find direct flights to Washington, D.C. Once you reach Dulles Airport, you can take the subway or book an online cab for the National Zoo. It takes around 1 hour and ten minutes to be there.

Dallas ZOO (Dallas, Texas)

Dallas Zoo, The oldest zoological park in Texas, opened in 1888 and has a long history of offering a venue for the public to interact with animals and discover how to protect Mother Earth. As one of the biggest and oldest zoos in the state, the Dallas Zoo is situated in Dallas City, Texas, in the United States. It is a well-liked vacation spot for both locals and visitors and acts as a center for wildlife study, education, and conservation. The ZOO provides classes, camps, and educational activities to spread awareness of the value of preserving natural habitats and species. Several seasonal festivities, after-hours activities, and programs with an animal theme to make people aware are held at the Dallas Zoo throughout the year.

The ZOO is home to 200 animals of 400 species from all over the world and has an overall size of nearly 106 acres (43 hectares). The Giants of the Savanna, the Wilds of Africa, the ZooNorth, and the Lacerte Family Children's Zoo are a few of the well-liked attractions. One of the main attractions at the Dallas Zoo is Giants of the Savanna, which has a mixed-species habitat where animals such as elephants, giraffes, zebras, ostriches, and others live together. The Forest, the River, the Desert, and the Gorilla Trail are just a few of the several African conditions represented in Wilds of Africa. It gives tourists a special opportunity to see different African animals up close.

To assist in preserving endangered animals and their natural habitats, the Dallas Zoo actively takes part in several conservation projects and activities. They are dedicated to advancing sustainable lifestyles and the conservation of wildlife. Young visitors can engage with farm animals up close, see nature up close, and learn about a variety of topics at the Lacerte Family Children's Zoo.

The Nearest Airport to Reach The Dallas Zoo

Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) is the nearest airport to the Dallas Zoo, but you can choose Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) as well. So, visitors can book flights to Dallas. Better ways to travel to the Dallas Zoo do exist, though. Every 30 minutes, a Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) bus takes 49 minutes from DFW Airport Station to West End Station.

Kansas City Zoo (Kansas City, Missouri)

The Kansas City Zoo was established in 1909 and covers approximately 202 acres (about 82 hectares) and houses more than 1700 animals of 200 Species from various parts of the earth. The place and its sections are designed to mimic natural habitats and provide the best possible environment for the animals. Kansas City has a rich history of animal exhibits and educational programs for visitors. The Kansas City Zoo is a popular zoological park in Kansas City, Missouri, USA. It is situated in Swope Park and is a prominent attraction for residents and visitors to the Kansas City area. The zoo conserves wildlife, educates people, and provides engaging experiences for visitors of any age group.

The Kansas City Zoo's Helzberg Penguin Plaza opened in 2013 and is one of the most popular attractions there. Visitors have the opportunity to see amazing birds both above and below the sea in a state-of-the-art penguin habitat. Animals from the African continent, including elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and more, are on display in the zoo's Africa exhibit. Visitors can fully immerse themselves in the African savannah through its multi-sensory experience. The Australia exhibit showcases native Australian species like kangaroos, wallabies, and emus to give guests a glimpse of the fascinating fauna from Down Under. Tiger Trail is a must-visit place here, and it provides a close-up look at Amur tigers in a lush setting that mimics their native habitat.

The Nearest Airport to Reach The Kansas City Zoo

Tourists can book flight tickets to Kansas City (Kansas City International Airport, or MCI). It is 29 miles away. Tourists have three major ways to reach the Kansas City Zoo from Kansas City Airport (MCI): by bus, town car, car, or taxi. It takes around an hour, depending on your transportation.

Conclusion

Indeed, Animal welfare, cruelty, and abuse are major ethical concerns regarding how wild animals are treated in zoos. Zoos are essential for preserving the environment and living things, despite difficulties. To uphold these ideals, one must investigate and practice, as well as work with organisations to discover how to engage with and better the world.